Red Cross Blood Drive in Memory of Independence Teenager

Missouri-Illinois

October 18, 2012

Christopher Cooper Killed in 2007 Crash

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (Oct. 18, 2012) -- An Independence-area teenager who died after being struck by a car in 2007 is being honored by family, friends and the American Red Cross with a blood drive in his name.

The family of Christopher Cooper joins the Red Cross in inviting the Independence community to honor Cooper at the Christopher Cooper Memorial Blood Drive on Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Walnut Gardens Community of Christ, 19201 East R.D. Mize Rd., Independence, Mo.

On Nov. 8, 2007, the 17-year-old Cooper was crossing the street on his bike when he was struck by a vehicle that was being pursued by local police. Cooper suffered massive blood loss and later died at the hospital. Christopher’s mother, Cheryl Cooper, said the blood drive in his memory is the family’s way of helping others.

“I can’t save my child anymore, but maybe I can help save someone else’s,” she said. “I want there to be blood available to everyone who needs it.”

Blood donated at the Christopher Cooper Memorial Blood Drive could help accident victims, cancer patients and other patients in need of potentially life-saving transfusions.

“I don’t want other parents to go through what we did,” said Cheryl Cooper.

Cheryl, who described Christopher as a “kind, thoughtful and exceptional human being,” said she would like to make the blood drive an annual event as a way of keeping Christopher’s memory alive.

Donors of all blood types are welcome at the blood drive. Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments are preferred.